Senator Cheruiyot wants all officers in Sondu transferred over ethnic clashes

A victim of ethnic lashes in Sondu recuperating at Sigowet sub-county Hospital. [Nikko Tanui, Standard]

Leader of Majority in the Senate Aaron Cheruiyot has called for the immediate transfer of all police officers in the Sondu area, following ethnic clashes reported on the Kericho- Kisumu border in the last two days.

In a statement on Thursday, October 5, Cheruiyot who is also the Kericho Senator says the Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome and the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki should transfer the men in uniform for “laxity and failing to stop the attacks” that have left several people dead.

"It is appalling that the officers have been passively spectating as the two sides engage in despicable bloody orgies, with little or no action to restore order, protect lives and property.

The officers are complicit for not acting on actionable intelligence on planning and retaliatory attacks from both sides. I demand that heads must roll," said Cheruiyot.

At the same time, the Senator has also urged Kindiki to urgently call for leaders and community members to a baraza in Sondu so that the locals can discuss the way forward and cessation of the hostilities.

The Majority Leader also challenged fellow leaders to refrain from issuing polarizing statements that aggravate an already worse situation.

"Leaders must live up to the oath of office by upholding and defending the constitution. Leaders must stop the culture of politicizing the unfortunate acts of violence and instead participate in pacifying hostilities," he added.

The situation deteriorated on Wednesday night after gangs armed with bows and arrows crossed the border from Kericho and attacked residents in and around Sondu market.

So far, seven people have been confirmed dead.